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![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
Don't know if anyone has seen this, but Rugbyheaven is reporting that the Waratahs are planning to use the player's initials on the back of the jersey instead of the number of their position. This has apparently raised the blood pressure of a few parties, News Ltd included. Read the article here:
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ar...590570286.html
What does everyone think about this? According to a poll at Rugbyheaven, most readers think it is more of a marketing exercise than a way for players to "get involved in the game using the attributes you offer us and don't be limited by the numbering"(McKenzie).
Supposedly it's so players don't feel inhibited by having a number on their back. Like if Hewitt has 15 on his back, the only thing he can play is fullback.
Funny how players can feel that when they can't even see what's on the back of their jerseys.
Yeah - I spotted this. Bloody silly idea!! Whats gonna happen to the number 8 position?
Being a tahs supporter, whats your take on this Sagerian ?
Dear Lord, if you give us back Johnny Cash, we'll give you Justin Bieber.
Don't like it one bit.
I think how they've explained it is utter rubbish. It's not so players don't feel inhibited because they have 10 on their back but are playing in 14... I think it's been done to make it easier for new fans to understand, which again I don't like.
If it was done to try and lure more fans, they might as well just make huge banners saying "Rugby Union: Now stupid people can watch too!"
Strange that they have gone along this path. I thought that it was only for the trial this weekend not for the season proper!
From my perspective I like the traditional numbers signifying position as it is easier to work out teams that you don't know (like the opposition). Also I think Numbers are easier to read from distance.
I would think that the Ref would be against it also. If someone infringes and advantage is paid it would be easier to remember a number between 1 and 15 that 26 letters x 2
I think because News Ltd (ie. the biggest financial contributor to Super 14) has complained, this will be a pretty short lived experiment. They are already talking about changing the rules to stop this happening.
no wonder their the team everyone loves to hate
but now they are not 'boxed' into one position im looking forward to big Matt Dunning moving to Fly Half and going for a few field goals
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To some its a six-pack, to me it's a support group.
Funny I thought England were the team everyone loved to hate?![]()
P.S. Dunning is an old hand at drop goals.
Originally Posted by Sagerian
we use to be... but i think the aussies r now with their racial tuants, abusing umpires, etc
To some its a six-pack, to me it's a support group.
Saw this article on another thread by NewsBot and thought it silly at the time. How will they for instance cope with players who have the same intitial's. Surely the point about helping supporters by doing this is a red herring, don't most teams have players names on the shirts already (or is that just NH?).
What I really object to is the crazy way teams are listed in that backwards/mixed up way. 15 - 9 then 1 - 8 and 16 -22, why can't the team sheet be 1 - 22 or 22 - 1. Would be interesting to see how the Waratahs list their team sheet...alphabetically?
As I said on the other thread on this topic, if the Waratah players are so mung that they are "limited by wearing a number..." then they shouldn't be playing elite sport.
Biggest crock I have ever heard of.
Glad Link got this out of his system before he had a chance to coach the Wallabies!
Don't worry Luke, the title well and truely still rests with you fellas.
Originally Posted by luke_the_pom
Nah, people will only hate us when we start winning again I'd say.
problem is a lot of countires wouldnt have a clue about australia, where it is, etc
so they cant hate
To some its a six-pack, to me it's a support group.
GoodOriginally Posted by luke_the_pom
"The players will still have numbers on their shorts but each jersey will be unique to the player wearing it."
So does that mean they will run around changing shorts to avoid an identity crisis as well?
Can't be too careful......